Privacy fence system

ABSTRACT

A modular privacy fence system that can be modified to achieve a variety of different appearances is disclosed. The fence system includes a frame defining a fence panel-receiving channel system that is defined by one or more fence panel-receiving channel segments, and a plurality of fence panels. The frame and the fence panels are co-operatively configured such that the fence panels are disposed within the fence panel-receiving channel system such that an interference fit relationship between the fence panels and the frame is effected, with effect that the fence panels are retained by the frame within a fence panel-retaining space. While the fence panels are disposed within the fence panel-retaining space, the retention of the fence panels by the frame is effected, such that for each one of the fence panels, independently, in the absence of connection of the fence panel to the frame by a fastener.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/585,902, filed on Nov. 14, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to modular privacy fence systems, in particular, to the elements of modular privacy fence systems and the connection structure and assembly thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Modular privacy fence systems are known and typically require assembly and interconnection of a number of different components in order to achieve a desired configuration. Different fence systems are generally required in order to achieve different overall appearances. A fence system that offers a number of possible different appearances using the same components is desirable in that one fence system can be used to achieve a variety of different looks.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a fence system, comprising:

a frame defining a fence panel-receiving channel system that is defined by one or more fence panel-receiving channel segments; and a plurality of fence panels; wherein: the frame and the fence panels are co-operatively configured such that the fence panels are disposed within the fence panel-receiving channel system such that an interference fit relationship between the fence panels and the frame is effected, with effect that the fence panels are retained by the frame within a fence panel-retaining space.

In accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a kit for assembling a fence system, comprising:

a plurality of frame segments co-operatively configured to be assembled to form a frame including a fence panel-receiving channel system and defining a fence panel-retaining space; and a plurality of fence panels; wherein: the frame and the fence panels are co-operatively configured such that the fence panels are receivable within the fence panel-receiving channel system such that an interference fit relationship between the fence panels and the frame is effected, with effect that the fence panels are retained by the frame within the fence panel-retaining space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a portion of a fence system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a front view of a fence panel according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the upper frame segments of the fence system shown in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a variation of the fence system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of another variation of the fence system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of another variation of the fence system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of a portion of a fence system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a variation of the fence system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a variation of the fence system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a variation of the fence system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view through one of the frame members of the fence system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a fence post for use in the fence system according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment of an assembled fence incorporating the fence system according to the present disclosure.

Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

With reference now to FIGS. 1-10, a fence system 10 according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

The fence system 10 comprises a frame 12 and a plurality of fence panels 14. The frame 12 defines a fence panel-receiving channel system 16 that is defined by one or more fence panel-receiving channel segments 18.

The frame 12 and the plurality of fence panels 14 are co-operatively configured such that the fence panels 14 are disposed within the fence panel-receiving channel system 16 such that an interference fit relationship between the fence panels 14 and the frame 12 is effected, with the effect that the fence panels 14 are retained by the frame within a fence panel-retaining space 20.

The interference fit between the fence panels 14 and the frame 12 is such that the retention of the fence panels 14 within the fence panel-retaining space 20 is solely by the interference fit relationship with the frame 12. The retention of the fence panels 14 by the frame 12, therefore, is effected, for each one of the fence panels 14, independently, in the absence of connection of the fence panel 14 to the frame 12 by a fastener.

The fence panels 14 are longitudinally extending members that extend between oppositely disposed ends 22. The fence panels 14 are disposed within the fence panel-receiving channel system 16 such that, for each one of the fence panels 14, independently, the ends 22 of the fence panel 14 are disposed within the one or more fence panel-receiving channel segments 18.

The frame 12 defines a perimeter 13. In some embodiments, for example, the disposition of the fence panels 14 within the fence panel-receiving channel system 16 and the retention of the fence panels 14 within the fence panel-retaining space 20 is such that the fence panels 14 are contained within the perimeter 13 of the frame 12. Accordingly, for each one of the fence panels 14, independently, there is an absence of extension of the fence panel 14 beyond the perimeter 13 of the frame 12.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, for example, each one of the one or more fence panel-receiving channel segments 18, independently, includes a base wall 24 and a pair of opposing side walls 26 extending from the base wall 24. Therefore, in some embodiments, for example, the interference fit relationship between the ends 22 of the fence panels 14 and the frame 12 is effected by contact engagement between the fence panels 14 and the side walls 26 of the one or more fence panel-receiving channel segments 18.

In some embodiments, for example, the frame 12 includes a plurality of frame segments 30 disposed in a co-operating relationship which together define the fence panel-retaining space 20. The co-operating relationship is such that a perimeter 21 of the fence panel-retaining space 20 is defined.

Each one of the plurality of frame segments 30, independently, includes a longitudinal portion 32 extending between oppositely disposed end portions 34. Each one of the plurality of frame segments 30, independently, further comprises at least one of the fence panel-receiving channel segments 18. Each one of the at least one fence panel-receiving channel segments 18, independently, extends along the longitudinal portion 32 of the frame segment 30 and is for receiving a respective end 22 of at least one of the fence panels 14.

In some example embodiments, the longitudinal portion 32 of one frame segment 30 is disposed orthogonally, or substantially orthogonally, relative to an adjacent frame segment 30 while the frame segments 30 are disposed in their co-operating relationship.

While the frame segments 30 are disposed in their co-operating relationship defining the fence panel-retaining space 20, a plurality of frame corners 36 are defined. Each one of the frame corners 36, independently, is defined by co-operative disposition of the end portions 34 of adjacent frame segments 30.

In some embodiments, for example, the frame corners 36 are miter joints.

In some example embodiments, the end portions 34 of adjacent frame segments 30 are welded together to form the frame corners 36.

In other example embodiments, the end portion 34 of one frame segment 30 includes a connector or projection while the end portion 34 of an adjacent frame segment 30 includes a connector counterpart for receiving the connector or projection 40 when the frame segments 30 are disposed in their co-operating relationship defining the fence panel-retaining space 20.

In some example embodiments, the connector or projection is a corner key disposed in a corresponding slot formed in the end portions 34 of adjacent frame segments 30 which serves as the connector counterpart, for locating a respective end portion 34 of one frame segments 30 with respect to the end portion 34 of an adjacent frame segment 30 and securing them together forming the frame corners 36. In some embodiments, for example, the corner key is in the form of a dowel.

While the plurality of frame segments 30 are disposed in their co-operating relationship defining the fence panel-retaining space 20, the fence panels 14 are disposed adjacent to one another within the fence panel-retaining space 20.

In some embodiments, for example, the adjacent disposition of the fence panels 14 is with effect that the fence panel-retaining space 20 is opaque, or substantially opaque.

In some embodiments, for example, the adjacent disposition of the fence panels 14 is with effect that the fence system 10 is a privacy fence system.

In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of fence panels 14 are made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the plurality of frame segments 30 are made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of fence panels and the plurality of frame segments are plastic extrusions.

In some embodiments, for example, each of the frame segments 30 define a hollow, or substantially hollow, interior space 38. A frame support 50 is disposed within the hollow, or substantially hollow, interior space 38 and, in some example embodiments, extends from one end portion 34 to the other oppositely disposed end portion 34 of the frame segment 30.

In some embodiments, for example, the frame support 50 includes a pair of oppositely disposed end faces 52 that are configured such that while the end portions 34 of the frame segments 30 are disposed in their co-operating relationship defining the frame corners 36, the end face 52 of one frame support 52 is disposed in surface-to-surface contact, or substantially surface-to-surface contact, with the end face 52 of the frame support 50 of an adjacent frame segment 30. In some embodiments, for example, the frame support is made of a fibrous material. In some embodiments, the fibrous material is wood.

In some example embodiments, fasteners (not shown) are used to secure the individual frame segments 30 together to form the frame 12. The fasteners may be of any suitable form capable of securing one frame segment 30 to an adjacent frame segment 30 while in their cooperative disposition. In some example embodiments, the fasteners are suitable for co-operating with the frame support 50 for connecting the adjacent frame segments 30 together in their co-operating relationship. In some embodiments, the fasteners are in the form of screws.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, the manner in which the plurality of fence panels 14 are disposed within the fence panel-retaining space 20 will be described in further detail.

In some embodiments, for example, the frame 12 is rectangular, or substantially rectangular. Accordingly, the plurality of frame segments 30 includes a pair of first frame segments 30 disposed in a first or vertical orientation and a second pair of frame segments 30 disposed in a second or horizontal orientation.

In some embodiments, for example, the first pair of frame segments 30 have a first length that is greater than the length of the second pair of frame segments 30. In other embodiments, for example, the frame segments 30 may all have the same length. In other example embodiments, the second pair of frame segments 30 may have a length that is greater than the length of the first pair of frame segments 30. Therefore, it will be understood that the specific lengths of the frame segments 30 will depend on the specific configuration that is desired for a particular application.

In some example embodiments, the first pair of frame segments 30 or vertically oriented frame segments 30 have a length of about 68.50 inches while the second pair of frame segments 30(2) or horizontally oriented frame segments 30 have a length of about 63.50 inches. In other embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 5-8, the vertically oriented frame segments 30 have first length of about 34.25 inches and the horizontally oriented frame segments 30 have a second length of about 63.50 inches.

The plurality of fence panels 14 are disposed within the fence panel-receiving channel system 16 of a partially assembled frame 12, with the fence panels 14 being arranged in one of a plurality of orientations. Once the fence panels 14 are disposed within the fence panel-receiving channel system 16 of the partially assembled frame segments 30, the frame segments 30 are connected together to complete the assembly of the frame thereby retaining the plurality of fence panels 14 within the fence panel-retaining space 20 so as to create the desired appearance of the frame 12.

In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of fence panels 14 are disposed in a horizontal orientation, or substantially horizontal orientation, within the fence panel-retaining space 20, for instance as shown in FIG. 1.

In other example embodiments, the plurality of fence panels 14 are disposed in a vertical orientation, or substantially vertical orientation, within the fence panel-retaining space 20, for instance, as shown in FIG. 2.

In other example embodiments, the plurality of fence panels 14 are disposed within the fence panel-retaining space 20 in a diagonal orientation as shown, for instance, in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, in some embodiments, for example, one or more frames 12 are disposed adjacent to one another so as to create a desired appearance for the overall fence system 10. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, two frames 12(1), 12(2) are disposed adjacent to one another, although it will be understood that this is not intended to be limiting and that the exact number of frames 12 arranged together will depend on the particular design and configuration of the overall fence system 10 for a particular application.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, the frames 12(1), 12(2) are disposed one-on-top of the other. However, it will be understood that this is not intended to be limiting and that the frames 12 could also be arranged side-by-side to one another.

By having two (or more) frames 12 arranged together in co-operating relationship, various patterns for the overall fence system 10 may be achieved. More specifically, when at least two frames 12(1), 12(2) are arranged or stacked together in co-operating relationship, the plurality of fence panels 14 disposed in one of the at least two frames 12(1), 12(2) can be arranged within the first fence panel-retaining space 20(1) in a first orientation, while the plurality of fence panels 14 disposed in the other of the at least two frames 12(1), 12(2) can be arranged within the second fence panel-retaining space 20(2) in a second orientation.

In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and second orientations of the plurality of fence panels 14 are the same. In other embodiments, for example, the first and second orientations may be different, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 wherein the plurality of fence panels 18 in the first fence panel-retaining space 20(1) are disposed in a first diagonal orientation while the plurality of fence panels 14 in the second fence panel-retaining space 20(2) are disposed in second diagonal orientation that is different from the first diagonal orientation. It will be understood that various overall patterns can be achieved based on the different combinations of orientations of the plurality of fence panels 14 and that the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific example embodiments described herein and shown in the Figures.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, in some embodiments, for example, the fence system 10 further comprises a fence post 60 defining a receiving channel 62 configured for receiving the frame 12 in an interference fit relationship such that the retention of the frame 12 in the vertical orientation is effected. In use, a first post and a second post 60 may be provided wherein the frame 12 is disposed between and connected to the first and second posts 60 such that the frame 12 is retained in a vertical orientation by the first and second posts 60.

In some embodiments, for example, the fence post 60 is one of a plurality of fence posts 60 and the frame 12 is one of a plurality of frames 12, wherein the plurality of fence posts 60 and the plurality of frames 12 are disposed in an alternating series. Accordingly, in some embodiments, for example, the fence post 60 is provided with a receiving channel 62 disposed on oppositely disposed vertical edges 64 of the fence post 60.

In accordance with some example embodiments, the fence system 10 is provided in the form of a kit for assembly a fence. In some embodiments, for example, the kit includes any one of the previously described example embodiments of the frame 12 and the plurality of fence panels 14 and in some embodiments, includes the plurality of fence posts 60 for assembly a fence together with the frames 12 and fence panels 14.

More specifically, in some embodiments, for example, the kit for assembling a fence comprises a plurality of the frame segments 30 and a plurality of fence panels 14. The frame segments 30 are cooperatively configured to be assembled to form the frame 12, the frame 12 including the fence panel-receiving channel system 16 and defining the fence panel-retaining space 20. The frame 12 and the plurality of fence panels 14 that form part of the kit are co-operatively configured such that the fence panels 14 are receivable within the fence panel-receiving channel system 16 forming the interference fit relationship therebetween.

In use, the fence panels 14 are disposed within the fence panel-receiving channel system 16 defined by the partially assembled frame segments 30 and are arranged in the desired orientation so as to create the desired appearance. Once the fence panels 14 are co-operatively configured with the partially assembled frame segments 30, the frame segments 30 are then connected together forming the assembled frame 12 and retaining the plurality of fence panels 14 within the fence panel-retaining space 20.

In some embodiments, for example, the kit further comprises at least first and second fence posts 60 wherein the first and second fence posts are cooperatively configured such that the assembled frame 12 is connectible to each one of the first and second fence posts, independently, such that the assembled frame 12 is retained in a vertical orientation by the first and second fence posts 60.

In some embodiments, for example, the kit includes a fence post 60 defining a receiving channel 62 that is configured for receiving the frame 12 in an interference fit relationship for effecting the retention of the frame in the vertical orientation.

In some embodiments, for example, the kit includes a plurality of fence posts 60 and a plurality of fence panels 14 and a plurality of frame segments for assembling a plurality of frames 12, wherein the plurality of fence posts 60 and the plurality of frames 12 are disposed in an alternating series.

While various example embodiments have been described, it will be understood that certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. 

1-48. (canceled)
 49. A fence system, comprising: a frame defining a fence panel-receiving channel system that is defined by one or more fence panel-receiving channel segments; and a plurality of fence panels; wherein the frame and the fence panels are co-operatively configured so that the fence panels are disposed within the fence panel-receiving channel system such that an interference fit relationship between the fence panels and the frame is effected, with effect that the fence panels are retained by the frame within a fence panel-retaining space.
 50. The fence system as claimed in claim 49, wherein the frame is rectangular or substantially rectangular.
 51. The fence system as claimed in claim 49, wherein the fence panels are made of plastic material.
 52. The fence system as claimed in claim 51, wherein the fence panels are plastic extrusions.
 53. The fence system as claimed in claim 51, wherein the fence panel-receiving channel segments are plastic extrusions.
 54. The fence system as claimed in claim 49, wherein the fence panel-receiving channel segments are made of a plastic material.
 55. The fence system as claimed in claim 49, wherein the retention is solely by the interference fit relationship with the frame.
 56. The fence system as claimed in claim 49, wherein the retention of the fence panels by the frame is effected, for each one of the fence panels, independently, in the absence of connection of the fence panel to the frame by a fastener.
 57. The fence system as claimed in claim 56, wherein the fence panels are disposed in the fence panel-receiving channel system so that, for each one of the fence panels, independently, ends of the fence panel are disposed in the one or more fence panel-receiving channel segments.
 58. The fence system as claimed in claim 49, wherein the fence panels are contained within a perimeter of the frame.
 59. The fence system as claimed in claim 49, wherein for each one of the fence panels, independently, there is an absence of extension of the fence panel beyond a perimeter of the frame.
 60. The fence system as claimed in claim 49, wherein each one of the channel segments, independently, includes a base wall and a pair of opposing side walls extending from the base wall.
 61. The fence system as claimed in claim 60, wherein the interference fit relationship is effected by contact engagement between the fence panels and the side walls.
 62. The fence system as claimed in claim 49, wherein the fence panels are disposed adjacent to one another.
 63. The fence system as claimed in claim 62, wherein the adjacent disposition is with effect that the fence panel-receiving space is opaque or substantially opaque.
 64. A kit for assembling a fence system, comprising: a plurality of frame segments co-operatively configured to be assembled to form a frame including a fence panel-receiving channel system and defining a fence panel-retaining space; wherein the fence panel-receiving channel system is defined by one or more fence panel-receiving channel segments; and a plurality of fence panels; wherein: the frame and the fence panels are co-operatively configured such that the fence panels are receivable within the fence panel-receiving channel system so that an interference fit relationship between the fence panels and the frame is effected, with effect that the fence panels are retained by the frame within the fence panel-retaining space.
 65. The kit as claimed in claim 64, wherein the retention is solely by the interference fit relationship with the frame.
 66. The kit as claimed in claim 64, wherein the retention of the fence panels by the frame is effectible, for each one of the fence panels, independently, in the absence of connection of the fence panel to the frame by a fastener.
 67. The kit as claimed in claim 64, wherein the fence panels are disposed in the fence panel-receiving channel system is such that, for each one of the fence panels, independently, the ends of the fence panel are disposed in the one or more channel segments.
 68. The kit as claimed in claim 64, wherein the fence panels are configured for being contained in the perimeter of the frame.
 69. The kit as claimed in claim 64, wherein the fence panels are cooperatively configured so that for each one of the fence panels, independently, there is an absence of extension of the fence panel beyond the perimeter of the frame.
 70. The kit as claimed in claim 64, wherein each one of the channel segments, independently, includes a base wall and a pair of opposing side walls extending from the base wall.
 71. The kit as claimed in claim 70, wherein the interference fit relationship is effectible by contact engagement between the fence panels and the side walls.
 72. The kit as claimed in claim 64, wherein the fence panels are co-operatively configured such that, while the fence panels are being retained by the frame in the fence panel-retaining space, the fence panels are disposed adjacent to one another.
 73. The kit as claimed in claim 72, wherein the adjacent disposition is with effect that the fence panel-receiving space is opaque or substantially opaque.
 74. The kit as claimed in claim 64 wherein: each one of the plurality of frame segments, independently, includes a longitudinal portion extending between oppositely disposed end portions; and the frame segments are co-operatively configured to be assembled to form a frame having corners defined by adjacent end portions.
 75. The kit as claimed in claim 74, wherein each one of the frame segments, independently, further includes at least one of the fence panel-receiving channel segments.
 76. The kit as claimed in claim 75, wherein each one of the channel segments, independently, extends along the longitudinal portion of the frame segment, and is configured for receiving a respective end of at least one of the fence panels.
 77. The kit as claimed in claim 76, wherein the adjacent frame segments are connectible at a respective one of the frame corners.
 78. The kit as claimed in claim 64, further comprising: a first post; and a second post; wherein the assembled frame, the first post, and the second post are co-operatively configured such that, the assembled frame is connectible to each one of the first and second posts, independently, so that the assembled frame is retained in a vertical orientation by the first and second posts.
 79. The kit as claimed in claim 64, further comprising: a fence post defining a receiving channel that is configured for receiving the frame in an interference fit relationship so that the retention of the frame, in the vertical orientation, is effected.
 80. The kit as claimed in claim 79, wherein the fence post is one of a plurality of fence posts and the frame is one of a plurality of frames, wherein the plurality of fence posts and the plurality of frames are configured for disposition in an alternating series. 